Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump have held direct talks in recent weeks as tensions between Canada and the United States escalate amid a growing trade war. The conversations, which follow their in-person meeting at the White House in early May, were confirmed by officials on both sides of the border, though no formal readouts have been made public.
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra confirmed the ongoing communication in a statement to The Globe and Mail, noting that the two leaders remain engaged as the dispute over tariffs deepens. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking in the House of Commons foyer, said it is standard diplomatic practice for the prime minister to maintain such contact, especially during a trade conflict. She declined to offer further details, emphasizing that negotiations will not be conducted in public.
A U.S. embassy official echoed that message in a written statement to CTV News, stating that both Trump and Carney—or their respective teams—have acknowledged the ongoing nature of the discussions, but that specifics will remain confidential for now. The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment.
News of the ongoing talks broke just one day after President Trump raised tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, a move that further inflamed the trade dispute. The pressure is now mounting on Carney’s Liberal government to respond decisively. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking at Queen’s Park, said he is aware that the prime minister is in “deep, deep” discussions with Trump and his team. Ford warned that unless a resolution is reached in the coming days, Canada may have no choice but to impose additional tariffs, suggesting an increase of another 25 percent on top of existing levies on aluminum and steel.
As the situation evolves, both nations are carefully navigating a high-stakes economic standoff that could have wide-reaching consequences for trade, industry, and diplomatic relations.